Its appointment to the Register of AAOs means it can now offer apprentice assessment products and services to officially conduct and quality-assure independent end-point assessment for a new wave of apprenticeships. It will begin by supporting the brand new Butchery Apprenticeship, launched in late 2015, before expanding into other areas of the food industry over the coming months.

Derek Williams, FDQ director, said: “This news marks a successful conclusion to a rigorous approvals process, and the start of an exciting new era for our team and our food industry clients. Very much in keeping with our specialist approach to the food industry, we believe that we are the first dedicated food-related Apprentice Assessment Organisation to be approved to date.

“We will begin 2016 by working with the meat and poultry industry – employers, training providers and colleges – to ensure that all English butchery apprentices from here on out will be able to meet the standards expected of them by the butchery industry as a whole.”

Keith Fisher, chief executive of the Institute of Meat, said: “Many congratulations to FDQ in gaining official status as an AAO. Having worked closely with the Butchery Employer Trailblazer Group on the development of the new butchery apprenticeship, I feel that I speak on behalf of much of the butchery industry when I say we are delighted to see you extend your reach into apprenticeships in this way. We know that this move will truly support the flow of high-quality apprentices into the world of butchery.

“In fact, the timing could not be better, as the new butchery apprenticeship standard went live in October 2015 and a higher standard is currently in development.”